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FIVE BEST EUROPEAN CITIES FOR FASHION

A passion for fashion

beyond takes a look at the five best European cities for fashion shopping.

W ith the Fashion Week calendar well underway, the world eagerly awaits the shows which will present the latest designs set to shape the trends for the coming seasons. Everybody knows that Paris, Milan and London are the fashion capitals of Europe, but are they really the best places to go for the ultimate fashion shopping trip?

Here we look at the ideal travel bucket list for every shopaholic with the top five European cities voted the best by Holidu for some retail therapy, and they’re not what you might expect.

1. Zagreb, Croatia

Okay, Zagreb may not be the first destination you have in mind when we talk about shopping, but with around 915 clothing and shoe stores, it’s a worthy winner on this list. In addition to the multi-national chains such as Zara, H&M and Mango, there are also a lot of boutiques that put emerging Croatian designers first. Start your shopping trip on Tkalčićeva Street, where you will find small, local and unique shops. To recharge your batteries, you should visit Eli’s café for a delicious cappuccino or latte macchiato.

Check out:

LuLu Couture – Gundulićeva ulica 3: Very exclusive as there are only two of these shops in the world. A perfect overview of contemporary Croatian fashion.

TRUE designed by Dalibor Betti – Ilica 54: Another very stylish Croatian brand.

Price of accommodation: £102/weekend

2. Turin, Italy

The beautiful Italian city with nearly 2800 clothes and shoes stores is in second place with an average rating of 4.29 stars on Google. As surprising as it may seem, Turin is widely preferred by shoppers to the Italian fashion capital of Milan. In Turin, Via Roma is undoubtedly the ‘place to shop’. From Porta Nuova, where there are beautiful and affordable shops, go up towards Piazza San Carlo to find the high-end designer shops.

Secret Garden – Via Carlo Alberto, 30/a: As its name suggests, it is a small hidden gem in the streets around Via Roma.

Price of accommodation: £145/weekend

3. Vienna, Austria

The last place on the podium goes to the Austrian capital and its beautiful city centre. With around 3000 designer stores and international labels, the largest shopping street is Mariahilfer Straße, where you can find stores of all kinds and prices. But to find more unique and local shops, you have to escape this area and walk through the smaller parallel streets of the 7th arrondissement. When it’s time for a well-deserved break, head to the Amerlingbeisl. This is a very nice little café with a hidden terrace in the inner courtyard.

Check out:

Luv the shop – Gumpendorfer Straße 24, Wien: Small but perfectly formed with a wonderful selection of clothes and shoes.

Dock 7 – Kirchengasse 43, Wien: A concept store with local brands and an inspiring photo gallery at the back.

Price of accommodation: £175/weekend

4. Naples, Italy

Turning our attention to the South of Italy this time, Naples is awarded fourth place with an average of 4.27 stars for its 3400 stores. The first place you absolutely must visit here is Via dei Mille, where you can enjoy a perfect mix of international and local labels. Head to Via Gaetano Filangieri if you would like to browse famous luxury brands such as Prada. To take a break and enjoy a delicious Neapolitan pizza, Antica Capri restaurant is the place to be.

Check out:

Roberta Bacarelli Concept Store – Via Carlo Poerio, 47: A shop with a very special atmosphere because you can buy clothes there, but you can also stop there for some juice or a bite to eat.

Black Box – Via Francesco Solimena, 99A: For trainer addicts, this store is a real paradise. Here you can find all of the coolest brands along with more unique pieces.

Price of accommodation: £143/weekend

5. Munich, Germany

In fifth place we have Munich, which is no wonder, seeing as it is the richest city in Germany. Although the shopping streets are scattered all over the city, you can discover amazing places in all of the different neighbourhoods. Between traditional and modern, designer and department stores, there is something for everyone among its 2850 stores. For a traditional Bavarian feel, the Viktualienmarkt is really worth a visit, and even has an authentic “biergarten” where you can try the famous pretzels and sausages.

Check out:

VOR.Shoes – Utzschneiderstraße 7: A Munich-born brand that sells shoes entirely made in Germany, from initial design to final production.

Ludwig & Therese Trachtenmode E.K. – 136a, Georgenstraßer, Dirndl: traditional Bavarian dresses are still widely worn in the region. See some of the most beautiful ones in this small shop.